This Month at Middlesex Community College: January, 2014

January 16, 2014

Submitted by Middlesex Community College

MCC logoMiddlesex Community College is one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in the state, offering more than 75 degree and certificate programs, plus hundreds of noncredit courses, during the day, evening and weekend. Middlesex – a great place to begin your future, with dozens of mid-winter opportunities available on the Bedford Campus, in Lowell and online.

Middlesex Offers Unique Educational Experience Through Learning Communities

Middlesex Community College Learning Communities are two highly interactive courses with the same students and same instructors that are combined to deepen and intensify the learning experience. Spring semester begins Tuesday, Jan. 21, and it’s not too late to register.

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By focusing on contemporary themes, Learning Communities enhance student interest and foster understanding of how subjects and issues are interrelated. Students enrolled in Learning Communities earn credits for two courses, are more likely to do well in their courses, learn and study with the same group of students, form partnerships and teams and build a sense of community in a supportive environment.

MCC offers two types of Learning Communities. In fully integrated Learning Communities, two or more team-taught courses are joined as if they were one larger class. In linked Learning Communities, two separate courses are thematically connected and use shared assignments and activities.

Learning Communities being offered for the spring semester include “World Views: Examining Civilizations through Art and Literature,” “Have a Wicked First-Year Experience,” “Wicked Problems and Careers in STEM,” and “Be Your Own Boss.”

For complete course descriptions, or for more information about Learning Communities at MCC, visit https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/learningcommunities/.

Transition Program for Students with Learning Disabilities

Learn more about Middlesex Community College’s nationally recognized Transition program, a two-year, noncredit vocational certificate program for students with learning/cognitive disabilities. A public Information Session for the Transition Program will be held from 9 to 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 23, in MCC’s Bedford Campus Center Café East, 591 Springs Road.

“MCC’s Transition program is designed for students with significant learning disabilities who would find traditional college-level academics too challenging, even with extensive support services,” said Susan Woods, MCC’s Associate Dean of Student Support Services. “The Transition Program helps students achieve their potential through coursework and hands-on experience in work settings.”

Three days a week, Transition Program students attend classes designed to teach independent-living skills, computer and job-survival skills, and social skills. Small class size ensures that students receive individualized attention and a program tailored to meet their needs. Two days a week, students work as interns in competitive employment situations in office and business support environments. Transition students may participate in all Middlesex student activities and student support services.

Graduates of MCC’s Transition Program receive a Certificate of Completion in Office and Business Support Skills and typically obtain employment in office support, business support, or retail support.

Transition Program candidates should have a high school diploma of GED credential, interest in training for entry-level work in business and industry, fifth- to eighth-grade level reading and math skills, and the maturity and emotional stability to effectively participate in a program on a college campus.

Information session participants will receive an overview of the program, as well as in-depth information on the curriculum, application procedures, details of the required internship portion of the program, and prospective job opportunities.

For more information about MCC’s Transition Program, or to register for an information session, contact Susan Woods, Transition Program Director, at 781-280-3630 or visit https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/transitionprogram/.

MCC Offers Noncredit Courses to Upgrade Your Adobe Skills

Registration is still open for Middlesex Community College’s noncredit course “Adobe Creative Suite.” Students will gain a working knowledge of the latest computer-design software package, Adobe Creative Suite 6. Courses meet Thursday nights and begin Jan. 30.

This introductory program provides an overview of what graphic design is and its multi-faceted job market. Using Adobe Creative Suite 6, students will learn design methodology, problem-solving, the relationship of visual form to meaning, and typography and image relationships. Additional topics covered include, digital imaging with Photoshop and page layout with In-Design, and Illustrator.

Students will be inspired by great design examples and will be introduced to popular designer websites. At the end of the program, students will have completed a project for their portfolio.

For more information or to register for these and other noncredit courses, call 1-800-818-3434 or visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/careertraining.

MCC Offers English Learner Institute Courses

This spring, Middlesex Community College’s English Learner Institute (ELI) offers noncredit courses that provide instruction in basic English and other skills essential to American culture.

ELI courses are designed to help members of the community develop basic English skills. Topics such as technology, life skills and social conventions are also covered. Non-native speakers who have not met state MCAS requirements for high school graduation may also take this coursework.

Spring-semester ELI courses are offered during the day and evening on the Lowell campus and run February through May in six- to 14-week sessions. The “Prepare to Attend College (PAC)” course is FREE, and all other ELI courses are offered at a reduced rate. Admission to the ELI program is open to all and does not require an admission application.

MCC’s ELI program also offers instruction in intermediate and advanced English for students who need to meet English proficiency standards for Middlesex degree and certificate programs. ELI courses are nonsequential, and students may enter the program in the fall, spring or summer.

Other support services available to ELI students include an English Language Learner Tutoring Lab, a technology-enhanced Language Lab, access to computers, library services, and student services, such as health services, career counseling and academic advising.

For more information about ELI, call Manyanne Mungovan at 978-656-3267 or visit https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/internationalstudents/pac.aspx.

MCC Offers Noncredit Digital Photography Certificate Program

Take your photography hobby to the next level with Middlesex Community College’s noncredit Digital Photography Certificate. This program is designed to meet the needs of anyone interested in photography, portraiture, digital image-editing or selling photos or services on the web. Courses begin Tuesday Jan. 21, and include:

  • “Digital Photography I” (CAR 611 30) –  Using a combination of classroom instruction, one-on-one consultation, shooting assignments and critique, an expert digital photographer will guide students through the technical and artistic aspects of digital photography. Students need an SLR digital camera.
  • “Digital Photography II” (CAR 612 30) – This class is a continuation of “Digital Photography I.” Through assignments, critique and guidance students will work toward developing their own personal style of photography.
  • “Adobe Photoshop CS6” (CAR 610 80) – Photoshop has become an essential tool for professional and amateur photographers. This course will cover batch processing images, advanced masking techniques, special effects and filters, High Dynamic Range Photography (HDR), and the current creative trend in image manipulation.
  • “Business of Photography” (CAR 615 30) – Students will learn how to present, price and market their photography. Topics include: portfolio preparation, marketing, freelance photography, working for a photographer, and opening a photography studio.

For more information or to register for these and other noncredit courses, call 1-800-818-3434 or visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/careertraining.

Learn at a More Advanced Level with MCC’s Honors Program

Middlesex Community College offers unique learning opportunities for students who elect to study at a more advanced level through the Commonwealth Honors Program (CHP).

CHP at Middlesex offers a variety of honors course options, as well as opportunities for students to master research and presentation techniques. The program also provides a variety of extra and co-curricular activities, including field trips and guest lectures.

After receiving accreditation from the State Board of Higher Education in 2010, MCC’s Commonwealth Honors Program became part of an integrated network of honors programs throughout the Massachusetts public college and university system.

“The honors program is a great place for students who want to be fully engaged in their intellectual enterprise to learn as much as possible about the world around them – and focus on the collegiate experience,” said MCC History Professor David Kalivas, current CHP Director.

To graduate with honors, Middlesex students are expected to complete a minimum of three honors courses, one of which must be an interdisciplinary team-taught seminar. Students must also participate in the annual Honors Conference, a public opportunity for students to display and explain their research.

Students who complete their degrees through CHP are guaranteed transfer to other Commonwealth Honors Programs at any state college or university, or can enhance their applications for other four-year public or private institutions.

For more information about MCC’s Commonwealth Honors Program, visit https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/honors/ or call 781-280-3553.

Middlesex Offers Flexible Scheduling and Multiple Learning Options

Middlesex Community College’s Flexible Studies course options provide an alternative learning environment to traditional classroom instruction. Spring semester courses begin Tuesday, Jan. 21, and it’s not too late to register.

Students in MCC’s Flexible Studies courses participate in creating their own learning experience based on their college readiness, interests and long-term goals. Students can select convenient class hours from many available course-meeting times, learn at their own pace by extending or accelerating their coursework, and can work one-on-one with instructors using a variety of learning tools.

The Flexible Studies format is adaptable to diverse learning styles, incorporating Web-based technologies, computer programs, audio-visual materials, and one-on-one or small-group instruction.

Flexible Studies offers more than 80 credit courses, in subjects such as reading, writing, math, ELL (English Language Learner), computer applications, behavioral sciences, social sciences and a variety of foreign languages.

For more information about MC’s Flexible Studies course options, visit https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/flexiblestudies/ or call 781-280-3736 in Bedford or 978-656-3350 in Lowell.

Middlesex Offers Project Management and PMP® Exam Prep

Middlesex Community College’s noncredit “PMP® and CAPM® Exam Prep” course can help you prepare for the PMP® certification, a globally recognized project management certification. Registration is now open for the spring semester. Courses begin Saturday, Jan. 25.

This 40-hour hybrid course combines traditional face-to-face and online instruction to review key concepts, terms and principles, and challenges students with sample exam questions and other exercises to prepare for the PMP®  and CAPM® Exams. The course will be taught using real-world case studies using PMI’s framework on project management fundamentals, best practices and tools every project manager needs to successfully complete a life-cycle project

This course will cover each of the 10 PMBOK® knowledge areas and five process groups covered in the “PMBOK® guide, 5th edition.” This workshop will provide quizzes, flash cards, and tips and tricks for exam prep.

This course is best suited for individuals who are planning on taking their exam in the near term or for those looking to take their skills to the next level. For exam eligibility requirements, visit www.pmi.org.

To register for this or other MCC noncredit courses, call 1-800-818-3434 or visit our website www.middlesex.mass.edu/careertraining.

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